The nursing and rehabilitation facility in which I work recently joined forces with an international organization focused on improving the quality of life for seniors within our communities. Through recognizing and fulfilling the “dreams” of the men and women for whom we provide care, the mission of Second Wind Dreams® is to change the perception of aging... from state to state and country to country. “Together we are making a huge difference in the lives of elders around the world, giving them a Second Wind!” (SWD®)
Recently, our facility, as members of the Second Wind Dreams® organization, came together, worked long hours, made countless phone calls, sent dozens of emails (and so much more)… to become successful “dreamweavers” for two special residents who call Eight Mile Nursing and Rehab “home”. Both residents have signed photo and press release forms, granting the media – and me – permission to utilize their names and pictures for public viewing.
This is Ms. Gracie Tucker’s story…
A couple weeks ago, I worked a Saturday… begrudgingly, I admit. While I was there, flying down the hallway at my typical breakneck pace, I heard a resident crying. This was not a familiar cry, so I stopped in this woman’s room, to see why Ms. Gracie sounded so upset. She told me she was sad, and feeling very alone. Ms. Gracie is an 89 year old woman, who generally keeps to herself, watches game shows on television, and gazes through her window at the flowers in the courtyard. Despite our best attempts, Ms. Gracie has never attended a group function in her 3 month stay. I pulled up a chair and settled in to listen for a bit. She told me about her family, her “little” sister who will soon turn 80, her grandchildren, her longing to be “released” (ie. discharged) as she has “important things to take care of”. With tears continuing to stream down her face, she reached up and exclaimed, “I can’t even do anything with this mop on my head! I’m embarrassed for people to see me!” I reminded her that we have hairdressers on site, but she was not interested in (and truly feared) sporting “an old lady hair style.” I quickly saw an opportunity to test our dream-weaving skills, and - on a whim - informed Ms. Gracie that it was her lucky day! If she was interested, she was going to receive a full make-over (hair, nails, make-up) and a photo shoot within the coming week! The excitement in her eyes made the frenetic days ahead worth every moment!
I gathered a team of coworkers (for whom I am unspeakably grateful!), and we worked tirelessly toward making this dream come true for Ms. Gracie. In the end, we found a hairdresser (an absolute God-send) who agreed to come to the facility and wash, cut, and style Ms. Gracie’s hair… free of charge (with a fresh, hip “do” – of course!). My staff, a dear friend, and I worked on Ms. Gracie’s make-up and fingernails, and dressed her in a new pair of black Capri pants (with embroidered palm trees!), a beautiful pink sweater, and jewelry to match, for her photography session. Witnessing this process of transformation evoked such emotion in each of our hearts; we were surprisingly overcome, and elated!
Ms. Gracie’s true character and bright spirit emerged with every lock of hair that found its way to my office floor, every stroke of polish that was applied to her nails, and every sweep of shimmering red gloss across her lips. She began laughing… questioning whether her family would recognize her “new and improved look”… and she was genuinely delighted and energized.
Ms. Gracie began striking poses ~ cocking her head to one side, resting her face upon her hands ~ requesting to have her picture taken! Her beauty was shining from the inside out, and it was an honor to watch the young woman inside this aging body surface. Ms. Gracie can walk well with her “walking stick,” but we offered to chauffeur her around the building in a wheelchair for her big reveal! She basked in the “Oohs and Aahs” as we made our way outdoors, with the camera in tow. Ms. Gracie smiled from ear to ear (despite the 110 degree heat!), and relished in the thrill of each picture taken, and every compliment she received.
THIS was not the same GRACIE TUCKER I had spend time with just 3 days earlier! This woman who had been so encumbered by feelings of despair had come to life… right before our eyes, and as she did, we – as “dreamweavers” – were filled with new life, hope, and unparalleled joy. Perhaps THAT day, we each caught our own second wind!
And… from that point forward, Ms. Gracie Tucker has been spotted wheeling herself to and from physical therapy, interacting with others, and enjoying social functions with her peers (including the Fox10 News Backyard BBQ dream that was realized for Resident, Joseph Palmore. Stay tuned for Mr. Palmore's story in DREAMWEAVERS – Part 2… soon to come!).
What a dazzling reminder that “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” [Eleanor Roosevelt]
Love to all,
aeb :)
